For the intensive intervention, same as standard care, plus: Weekly meetings, starting at least 4 weeks prior to surgery and continuing 8 weeks postoperatively, consisting of support group meetings 3 times/month using the Look AHEAD curriculum modified to a shorter term intervention, plus a monthly individual follow-up visit. This individual monthly visit would include a focused evaluation of the participant, including review of his goals and feedback on his progress. The intensive intervention will provide both relevant diet and exercise education and support for long-term lifestyle changes. The intensive intervention will be facilitated by a physician or other trained provider. At each monthly visit, patient's weight will be recorded and a review of their activity and diet logs conducted. A topical lesson corresponding to the Look AHEAD curriculum [1] will be given and participants would be given a chance to discuss the lesson and any road-blocks to their progress that have occurred. Participants will be issued a pedometer and asked to record their daily steps, to be used as a surrogate for physical activity.